Destin

Samuel is enjoying his first visit to the white sands of the Gulf. I am blessed to have such a wonderful family! :) I'll post more of our toasty buns later!

3 out of 4 Generations

This is my Granddaddy. This is where Samuel's middle name came from, Lavon. This is my mother's dad. He is an incredible man who has loved me dearly and been a wonderful testament of Christ in my life. Samuel got to meet his GREAT granddaddy today. I was just along for the ride! :)

Sponges

Kids really do say what is on their mind, often repeating what they have learned from mom and dad. You hope and pray they pick up the "good" and not the frustration or ill words that slip out of a grownup. Samuel obviously has not reached the "age of repeating" ...yet(no matter how many funny faces AND noises Tim makes at Samuel) . That said, our bright-eyed "Surfer" nephew is full of 7 year old reasoning and this story must be told!
Liam was caught drawing on something that he had been told was off limits. It was such a huge offense that Dad was called in for the disciplining. Dad sat down with him and very sternly asked "Why Liam why? " Liam looked down, let out a long sigh, looked his Dad square in the eye and said "A long time ago Dad, sin entered the world"

Sounds like somebody has been listening in church!

Smells like summer

As a child we always marked the end of summer when school was in session again. You had to start wearing shoes and taking baths more often and lets not forget the change in bedtime( sometimes before dark heaven forbid!). Our summer flew by this year. I spent the first half waddling around very pregnant and the second half confined to the inside of our home enjoying the first weeks of motherhood. Now this is Alabama and we are known for occasional humid and sticky days, highs in the 90s, and summer like temperatures that stretch into October. Therefore summer is not over yet! We have now acquired a baby back pack that Samuel snuggles contently into for our daily observation walks... Observation for Samuel, calorie reduction for mommy!! We also live a "stone's throw" from grandparents and great grandparents. Today I decided to trek up to Grandmother's house for a little diversion in our daily routine. Suddenly I was overwhelmed with the senses of summer. A quiet breeze slipped through the tall pines, a blue streaked lizard scurried out of our way, and the distant purr of the lawn mower guided us up the hill. Now as lovely as that seems you must also picture a baby strapped to my chest gurgling and cooing up at the trees and our Husky mix, Dakota, darting back and forth willing us to move as fast as he can. My attention was drawn in several directions!!
Now no one can claim that grandparents adore their grandchildren... I'm just kidding!! My visit with my mother in law was pleasant and short. Upon receiving the prize (Samuel), I was promptly kicked out the door. Would you believe that? Me neither. She did however volunteer to watch Samuel and let me return home to clean. I didn't reveal the fact that for once my house is clean and sparkling and not due any immediate attention. So I leisurely strolled home and breathed in fresh cut grass and wild onions. I stopped to pat all 3 furry heads that found me walking home and admire the lizard that has taken up residents in my flower pot. However, I am choosing to ignore the dirty dishes in the sink and rock away my free time in the white wicker rocking chair on our porch. Praise be to a God who has created brilliant blue skies and white puffy clouds, cool breezes to refresh us, tiny toes and fingers, and an innocent toothless smile to remind us of His great love!!